Steve Coogan To Play The Lead In David Shore’s ABC Drama Pilot ‘Doubt’

For his follow-up to House, David Shore is bringing to US broadcast television another popular British comedy actor-comedian-writer to play the lead of a drama project. Steve Coogan (Tropic Thunder) is set to topline Shore’s ABC legal drama pilot Doubt. The project, from Sony TV, centers on Vincent (Coogan), a former cop who’s now a cunning but charming low-rent lawyer who uses his street smarts to work the system for his clients while battling his own demons and wooing his ex-wife. Doubt would mark the US series debut for Coogan, a popular TV actor in his native Britain, the way fellow UK comedy star Hugh Laurie was introduced to American television as the lead of Shore’s Fox drama House. This is Coogan’s second US pilot; in 2010, he teamed with Tropic Thunder cohorts Justin Theroux and Ben Stiller for HBO comedy pilot Documental. I hear Coogan, repped by 3 Arts, UK’s Independent and Rick Genow, had no interest in doing US broadcast TV but responded to Shore’s script.

9 Comments

As a verb • on Mar 19, 2013 5:30 pm

Rake, Doubt

Thank God these irascible white guys are coming to give us funky justice.

Go Write Something • on Mar 19, 2013 5:30 pm

Okay, but seriously? But okay, but seriously? The best balance of charming, wry and concise with just a hint of cynicism I’ve read about anything having to do with anything on the otherwise frequently depressing threads seen on this site.

I have no stake in your game, but I like you.

palette • on Mar 19, 2013 5:30 pm

I love Steve Coogan – his Alan Partridge character was pre-The Office and nailed the insecure blowhard persona! He is very talented and I loved Tristam Shandy and The Trip.I wish him well with this project, but it sounds rather dull. Coogan is great at playing “characters” – but I just can’t see him as an ex-cop.

Reggie Van Luster • on Mar 19, 2013 5:30 pm

Coogan has done enough awesome stuff to coast for a little while if he sees fit. If the show is decent, I wish him well with a big payday. If it turns out really great, all the better. I know I’ll be tuning in because Coogan is in it.

Lucy • on Mar 19, 2013 5:30 pm

This is the pilot with Greg Grunberg in it I think. Coogan and Grunberg playing brothers? Yes please.

Sexy Jesus • on Mar 19, 2013 5:30 pm

Hamlet 3!

Warrior one • on Mar 19, 2013 5:30 pm

I’m sick of Brits and Aussies stealing jobs from American actors when the opportunity for Americans to work in England and Australia and Canada is not reciprocated. That’s it, I protest. I refuse to watch shows with foreign actors until they change the laws and Americans can work in Canada, England, Australia and where ever else is black listing American actors, writers and directors. Call me a patriot but the line needs to be drawn.